For its GNI AI Workshops initiative, the Google News Initiative (GNI) is accepting submissions from newsrooms in the Philippines. The initiative is being offered in collaboration with digital consultant Bastion Digital.
This 16-week program aims to empower journalists and newsrooms in the Philippines. It will help them fully leverage the potential of generative AI.
GNI AI Workshops Program
From February to June 2025, the GNI AI Workshops program will give a limited number of news organizations the resources they need to explore AI. The program will provide instruction and one-on-one assistance. As a result, participants can test and deploy cutting-edge AI-driven solutions.
Industry mentors and AI specialists will guide participants throughout the program. They will help participants launch a pilot using existing generative AI technologies. In addition, participants will report on the outcomes of their projects.
This project is the latest example of Google’s dedication to using AI to advance regional industries. Meanwhile, generative AI has gained traction in the journalism industry.
According to a Statista poll, 32% of newsrooms were already using generative AI technologies to produce news content as of 2023. Given the sharp rise in that number, AI skills are likely to become increasingly important for journalists. Furthermore, the speed at which the technology is developing makes these skills even more relevant.
AI Training and Responsible Use
The curriculum teaches an organized approach to AI exploration. At the same time, it ensures that participants use the technology responsibly and ethically.
Experts will teach sessions on Google’s generative AI tools as part of the program. These tools include AI Studio, Pinpoint, and Gemini AI.
In addition, participants will receive guidance and support from Bastion Digital’s team and industry professionals. They will use these tools to create and carry out experiments.
Sixteen Weeks for AI News Training Program
Participating news organizations must meet several requirements. First, they must have a core staff of at least two people. They must also have their headquarters in the Philippines and serve Filipino audiences.
For the 16-week program, participating organizations need to commit two or three people to the training. Therefore, each organization must make sure its representatives can take part throughout the program.
Google has a strong interest in the appropriate use of generative AI and the digital future of the Philippines. As the 2025 midterm elections approach, the Google News Initiative is dedicated to strengthening journalism’s vital role in an educated and forward-thinking society.
“We are thrilled to provide AI training to Filipino journalists, which will enhance their reporting’s precision, effectiveness, and creativity,” stated Jackie Wang, Google’s country director for Thailand and the Philippines.
Bastion Digital’s AI Training Support
As part of its ongoing collaboration with the Google News Initiative, Bastion Digital is committed to helping companies navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Principal AI consultant Shaun Davies leads this program. In particular, it promotes a “test and learn” approach that enables businesses to embrace innovation at their own pace.
“We are committed to helping companies in a variety of industries explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence as we expand our footprint in the Asia-Pacific area,” stated Jenni Ryall, director of Bastion Digital.
The Commission on Elections also formally endorsed the GNI AI Workshops initiative. In addition, the commission anticipates that AI news tools can support accurate and truthful reporting during the upcoming 2025 Philippine midterm elections.
Conclusion
Throughout multiple election cycles, Google has been a useful technology partner of the Commission on Elections. Therefore, we applaud the Google News Initiative for introducing this cutting-edge AI program for media professionals.
According to COMELEC director Atty. John Rex C. Laudiangco, upskilling a significant electoral stakeholder will support a free, orderly, honest, and credible election process.
